For many Australians, rate hikes and inflation have made the dream of property ownership feel ever more distant. But a recent analysis shows that meeting mortgage repayments could be cheaper than renting for more than a third of Australian properties. Often the biggest obstacle in the way of home ownership is saving up for a…
Under discussion for some time, the NSW government finally passed the stamp duty reform. This means eligible first home buyers will have the choice to pay an annual property tax instead of stamp duty at the time of purchase. This new scheme is called “First Home Buyer Choice”. The new legislation will allow first home…
The recent decline in rental properties has caused many to feel uncertain about their housing situation. Here’s how you can leave renting in the dust and make homeownership a reality. Dwindling rental supplies in many parts of the country and soaring rental prices have many tenants looking for an escape. Terms like “housing crisis” are being bandied about,…
After another year of uncertainty, the end of Financial Year (EOFY) is upon us. Self-employed or a small business owner? Understanding the different information available could help to simplify the tax process for you. The official ATO website provides some handy resources for up to date information on any Government initiatives that may be relevant to your…
You’ve decided to cash out of the property market, upgrade, or build your dream home. What happens if you have a current home loan on your property? We all dream about being mortgage-free, but in reality, it takes most of us a very long time to pay off a home loan. So, how do you…
The recent COVID pandemic has driven an unexpected trend – a shortage of skilled tradespeople and building material. The COVID-19 pandemic, combined with recent extreme weather events in QLD and NSW, has seen Australians deal with a whole bunch of issues from health concerns through to lockdowns and border closures. The extreme weather has also…
When you’re on the hunt for a new home, it can feel overwhelming – there are plenty of properties to consider and home loan options to weigh up. This is where home loan pre-approval can come in handy. But does getting pre-approved by lenders damage your credit score? In this article we explain what pre-approval…
If you’ve missed a payment or defaulted on a utility bill, credit card or personal loan in the past, then you might find yourself with a less-than-stellar credit score. If you’ve got credit repayment issues, getting a home loan can be a challenge. This real life guide explains the credit report problems that might affect…
If you’re a self-employed borrower or you own a small business, you are already familiar with the ongoing challenges of keeping your accounts, finances and income flow all on track. It’s not easy. But here’s some good news. Getting a home loan doesn’t have to be yet another financial issue to worry about. Here are…
The ongoing festive season is a great time to go on a shopping spree. Both online and offline retailers come up with discounts and offers to attract customers this time of the year. As one gets flooded with multiple choices, it is easy to get tempted into buying things one doesn’t need. Unchecked shopping urges…